Tool Organizer

[Lou Miller]

Does anyone have the tool organizer systainer?

If so, roughly how much does it hold? What do you have in it?

The pictures looks like it'll hold a set of chisels, some screwdrivers and some other stuff, but not a whole lot more than that. I'm debating getting one. Right now I have one of them bucket liners with the pouches. Its okay, but things tend to get lost in the middle of the bucket. I really like the idea of having the tool organizer and clipping it to a sortainer.

So, anyone have one? Speak up

 

[Bob Marino]

Lou,

I have one and use it to hold some chisels, marking tools, Starrett squares, good screwdrivers, etc. It does have a small drawer that you have access to when you lift the wooden insert out. It isn't designed for the real heavy stuff though - big wrenches, large hammers, etc.

Bob

 

[Lou Miller]

Thanks Bob.

I didn't expect it to hold hammers and so forth. I'm mostly looking for it to hold a set of good chisels (that I don't want nicked up by other tools banging into them), some specialty chisels (cranked neck and so forth) a block plane, and some other stuff that I don't want with my regular tools.

 

[colevalleytim]

Lou
I think this will help.  Try this link, page 21 in the PDf calalog
http://www.ecemmerich.com/images/ece_katalog_07_english.pdf

Another German company will sell you all the tools!!

Tim

 

[Manny]

Hi Lou,

I've checked out that tool organizer a few times when I visit the Festool secton at Japan Woodworker. It's a nice setup, however when it came down to making a decision I went with the Veto Pro Pac XL. It can be found at www.vetopropac.com
It's durable and well made. I was very surprised at the amount of tools I was able to fit. I take take a handtool class on Saturdays at a local college. I'm able to fit a full set of ten chisels, marking gauges, layout tools, a few large timber frame size chisels, long Japanese paring chisels, a couple Japanese block and smoothing planes, etc.
Woodcraft now carries these. So, if you have a local Woodcraft you can check them out.

Manny Hernandez
(No ties with the company. Just a happy customer)

 

[Paul Franklin]

Hi Lou

I made my own, better that way as you can put your specific tools in it. I have since made a few for some contractors that I work with.
I have attached some pictures.

Regards
Paul

 

[Ned]

Nice work, Paul.

I've looked at the Festool wood insert several time and liked the concept.  My concern is that it is sized to fit German tools, and frequently their proportions are a bit different from what we use in North America.  For instance, screwdriver handles are smaller in diameter.  Your self-built one guarantees that your tools will fit.

Especially like the Sys Mini.

The outer Systainer looks like a SYS 4.  Did you consider using a 5?

 

[Paul Franklin]

Ned

I have had this one for a few years now before the sys 5 was available, I keep thinking about getting a sys5 and making another, but this one works great, I have 99% of what I need in it, I even use it in the shop and when I go off to do an install I just slip it in the systainer and I'm off. I also have a sys3 with odds and ends in, like my impact driver, rags and other odd items. I have also made one to keep my trim router and accessories and some router bits.
I keep a cuple of planes and other sharp tools in the wooden drawer, and things I don't use that often like side cutters etc in the mini systainer. I did replace the mini systainer with a Festool green systainer that I got when I was in England, it was a promotional one they were doing.

Regards

Paul

 

[Lou Miller]

Thanks for the replies everyone. Paul, I really like your version of the tool organizer. I think I might just do what you did, but only with the systainer #5 like you mentioned. Of course, I want the Festool systainer because it clips to the others and makes things easier to get on the job. 

I'll probably visit Bob's site next week and order the #5 and get started. I'll post some pics when I'm done with it. 

 

[Ned]

When I build my insert I can always semi-permanently attach a Sortainer.  As you're planning out your insert, keep a Sortainer underneath in mind for the small stuff.

"Semi-permanently" because it's only latched, not cemented, but never disconnected.

 

[mysterium]

Lou,

I think the home built version of the Festool Tool Organizer is the way to go.   I have the Tool Organizer & have found that the combination of tools I'd like carry doesn't fit the holes/slots.  

Unless your tools are exactly like the picture... I think you'll be less than happy.

jim

 

[Lou Miller]

When I build my insert I can always semi-permanently attach a Sortainer.  As you're planning out your insert, keep a Sortainer underneath in mind for the small stuff.

"Semi-permanently" because it's only latched, not cemented, but never disconnected.

I already have a 9 drawer sortainer that I plan to keep underneath. The sortainer is mostly filled with fasteners though. I dunno, I might opt for one of the 4 drawer ones as well.

 

[Paul Franklin]

Lou

The 4 drawer is a good choice, I keep my TDK drill and all the chucks and drills, I have a Sys1 with the colored boxes attached on top of it with screws in, a great combo.

regards

Paul

 

[Ned]

The 4 drawer is a good choice, I keep my TDK drill and all the chucks and drills, I have a Sys1 with the colored boxes attached on top of it with screws in, a great combo.

Better yet...

 

[MarkusS]

I own one of these Tool-Organizer Systainers and I don't like it. Personally, I would never have bought this Systainer but I got it as a bonus from my tool dealer when I spent some bucks there ...

I removed the insert and use the Systainer for some other stuff. The insert is fine - as long as you adhere to the tool-assembly Festool recommends, for example the Rali-Plane or a pocket rule according to german standards (the size). Other tools won't fit - at least not optimal. The Festool-tool-assembly is a standard here in Germany - used by many cabinetmakers and likewise offered by several companies - ECE or Ulmia for example. I don't know if this will fit the "american needs".

A few years ago, I found a Tool-Organizer Systainer from a different company - BTI. The Systainer is the same (except the color and that they call it "SYSTRA Modul") but the insert is completely different and you can combine it from several components.

There are some pics I posted in a german forum some time ago - you might get the hint that I earn my money as a electrician, woodworking is a hobby  ;D

There are some more inserts available which I don't own so I don't have pictures of them.

Regards
Markus

 

[woodpicker]

Another way. Buy one of this, or something can fit in there.

$34.99 at Amazon.com